Principles for Relationships from God's Word by Claudio Consuegra

Daycare time – 1

At once the baby’s older sister came up and asked, “Do you want me to get a Hebrew woman to take care of the baby for you?” Exodus 2:7 (CEV)

School is beginning or about to begin for many children. For those who are too young to attend a school, their parents may be faced with the decision to take them to a daycare facility during the day. For many parents, even though it may be necessary to do so, leaving their children in daycare, particularly the first time, can be heart-wrenching. . . as it may be for their children. Rose Gordon Sala, writing for TODAY Parents[i] shares 8 tips to make it easier for both parent and child. Here are a few for the child:

Bring something familiar. Anything that smells like home, like a blanket or mom/dad’s t-shirt, would be best for the youngest of children. Any reminder of home, like a laminated family portrait that an older child can hold onto, will make those first few trips to daycare a little easier and provide comfort on difficult days.

Create a goodbye ritual. This ritual could be giving a high-five, saying, “I love you,” or a kiss on both cheeks — whatever feels natural to the parent and child. A great ritual is to have a short devotional time and prayer either at home or in the car before the child is dropped off.

Talk it through. Even the youngest children will benefit from a conversation about what the plan is, what they can expect, when they will be picked up, etc. If you maintain a calm attitude you will help your child feel more at ease with this new experience. You can also read them a book about going to daycare and also sharing a picture of the teacher or classroom.

Try a gradual start. See if it’s possible to let your child ease in to daycare with a part-time schedule. You may also go with them for an hour one day, and the next day leaving them for 20 minutes to play while you go get something to drink; you can increase that time to half a day. Perhaps you can start them on Thursday, instead of Monday, so they don’t immediately plunge into a five-day-a-week, full-time schedule.

Father, bless me as I help my children during this transition in life.